How do you stay inspired when you can’t create? Maybe your studio has been flooded by a wet spring. Perhaps the tendons and muscles in your thumbs demand rest. What if you are forced to be on bed rest to recover your health? Two on-line series provide me with inspiration, even when I have my feet up…

Netflix’s Abstract
Netflix’s new eight part series Abstract is an absolute delight. Each 45-minute episode profiles a different design professional. We learn where their ideas come from, how they began, and most importantly how they go about creating.
Episodes include:
- Christoph Niemann: Illustrator
- Ilse Crawford: Interior Designer
- Tinker Hatfield: Shoe Designer
- Paula Scher: Graphic Designer
- Platon: Photographer
- Bjarke Ingels: Architect
- Ralph Gilles: Automotive Designer
- Es Devlin: Stage Designer
I used to have favorite episodes, but after seeing all of them, I would recommend watching them straight through. I find watching people create a calming yet stimulating experience, as well as a hopeful interlude while you wait to get back to your own creating.

Craft in America
Craft in America is a PBS series created in conjunction with the Craft in America Center. While most episodes focus on three -dimensional or low-relief two dimensional work, they do include printmaker Tom Killion in an episode on process. On the Craft in America site, you can search by episode theme, location and even medium. I could lose myself in this site for days.
So whether you are cooped up by circumstance or weather or health, there is always something you can watch to stay inspired.
What are your inspirations?